Selecting the Core Team: Foundations for a Successful Church Plant

Church leaders collaborate thoughtfully to establish a core team, laying the groundwork for a successful church plant.

The selection of a core team is a foundational step in church planting. Churches planted without a robust core team often fail or remain weak (Abdala, 2014, p. 28). Unfortunately, the immediate culture of constructing buildings has minimized this phase, leading to church plants that require double the effort to correct their culture.

The success of a church plant lies in the maturity of its leadership. Rapid planting projects often assume that participants already embody the Adventist DNA—focused on God’s mission, multiplication, discipleship, and organic growth. However, such assumptions can lead to disappointment. Establishing a well-trained core team with a unified culture is critical, even if it takes more time.

1. The Selection Process

1.1 Defining Team Roles

In a church planting project, the planter typically selects three groups:

1. Core Team: The pioneering nucleus responsible for leadership and strategic planning.

2. Launch Team: Individuals assisting during the initial public launch phase.

3. Prayer Team: Supporters who provide moral, spiritual, and financial backing.

   
   

1.2 Personal Invitations

The selection process should be intentional and personal, avoiding public appeals or mass promotions. Church planting is not a general sermon call but a strategic recruitment effort.

During the invitation, the planter should:

1. Share the vision for the church.

2. Highlight the values that will shape its culture.

3. Outline the projected mission and purpose.

4. Clarify the type of individuals needed for the team.

2. Evaluating Commitment Levels

Potential members should be evaluated for their readiness to commit:

• Level 1 - 100% Commitment: Core team candidates deeply invested in the mission.

• Level 2 - Partial Commitment: Candidates for the launch team who may transition to the core team.

• Level 3 - Supportive but Not Engaged: Prayer team members.

Candidates should pray and reflect before committing. Encourage them to seek God’s guidance and recommend others with a similar vision.

3. Characteristics of Core Team Members

3.1 Who to Look For

According to Steve Leddy, the core team should consist of individuals who are mission minded, growth-oriented, and community-driven. Sergio Quevedo adds that team members should be teachable, purpose-driven, and open-minded. These qualities enable the development of a strong Adventist culture (Leddy, 2014; Quevedo, 2018).

3.2 Diverse Backgrounds

Interestingly, successful core teams often include non-Adventists, non-Christians, and even those considered spiritually immature. This approach fosters a culture of outreach and external focus. Non-Adventists who commit to the vision often emerge as strong disciples and leaders, unencumbered by the consumer mindset that can hinder mission-driven growth (Hirsch, 2015, p. 47).

3.3 Building the Right Culture

The composition of the core team determines the future church’s DNA. If the team is outward-focused, the church will prioritize mission. Conversely, a team composed solely of Adventists risks creating an inward-focused community.

4. The Selection Process

4.1 Steps to Start

1. Begin with Prayer and Fasting: Seek God’s guidance and confirmation (Matthew 4:1-2).

2. Clarify Your “Why”: Be confident in your biblical and personal calling to plant churches.

3. Gain Family Support: Share the vision with your spouse and children first.

4. Identify Resilient Individuals: Look for people willing to endure challenges alongside you.

5. Have One-on-One Conversations: Share meals or invite potential members to your home to discuss the vision.

6. Use Evaluative Tools: Tools like APEST (vocational gifts) and APSE (behavioral profiles) can help identify strengths and alignments (Hirsch, 2015).

7. Look for Trainers: Choose individuals capable of discipling others.

8. Focus on Cultural Fit: Prioritize candidates who align with the mission and values of the new church.

   
   

4.2 Practical Guidelines

• Avoid public announcements or open calls for volunteers.

• Develop a clear “pitch” for the church plant, with 30-second, 3-minute, and 30-minute versions to share your vision effectively.

• Present both the opportunities and challenges of the area you plan to serve.

5. Establishing Team DNA

The goal of forming a core team is to instill a strong Adventist DNA of a healthy church. Core team members must fully embrace the vision, as their commitment and alignment will shape the church's trajectory.

The planter’s ability to communicate and transfer the vision is critical. Members who genuinely “own” the vision will demonstrate this through their time, energy, and ministry involvement. Regular evaluations can ensure continued alignment and growth (20Schemes, 2014).

6. Additional Teams

6.1 Launch Team

This group assists with the logistical and operational aspects of the church’s public launch. Unlike the core team, their involvement is task-oriented and may not continue beyond the launch phase (Nebel, 2016). Launch team meetings are an opportunity to reinforce the church’s DNA, integrating worship, discipleship, and mission into all activities.

6.2 Prayer Team

The prayer team provides spiritual support through intercession. While not directly involved in operations, their prayers and financial contributions are vital to the church plant's success.

7. Practical Tips for Core Team Development

1. Begin with a clear vision and mission statement.

2. Focus on recruiting 20–35 committed individuals.

3. Conduct weekly training sessions to build momentum and engagement.

4. Create a culture of multiplication by involving the team in discipleship and leadership development.

Conclusion

The core team is the foundation of a healthy church plant. Selecting members requires intentionality, prayer, and adherence to the mission. Building a team that embodies Adventist values ensures a cohesive and sustainable church culture.

By forming a strong core team, a committed launch team, and a dedicated prayer group, planters can establish churches that are self-sustaining, self-replicating, and mission-focused. Success lies in laying a solid foundation through prayer, strategic selection, and shared vision. As Allan Hirsch aptly notes, the early formation of a church’s DNA determines its long-term health and effectiveness (Hirsch, 2015, p. 47).

References

1. Abdala, J. Igrejas que Plantam Igrejas. Curitiba: Editora Exemplo, 2014.

2. Hirsch, Alan. The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating Apostolic Movements. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2015.

3. Leddy, Steve. Church Planting Resources. Potomac Conference: CPEXchange, 2014.

4. Nebel, Tom. Building Leaders Worth Following. Littleton: Caleb Project, 2016.

5. Quevedo, Sergio. Adventist Church Planting in Native Contexts. Boston: SNEC, 2018.

6. 20Schemes. Church Planting Basics: Selecting Your Launch Team & Future Leaders. 2014. Available at: 20Schemes.

7. Exponential. Launch Team Momentum and DNA. 2018. Available at: Exponential.